1998 Audi A3 vs. 2007 BMW 330
To start off, 2007 BMW 330 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Audi A3 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 330 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1998 Audi A3. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1998 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 330 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1998 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 330 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2007 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Audi A3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 BMW 330 (301 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Audi A3. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Audi A3 | 2007 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
